DETROIT, July 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Michigan State Police recently released a new report analyzing traffic crash data from 2023. Our team at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm has compiled some of this data to observe interesting trends in numbers and causes of Michigan motor vehicle accidents.

Michigan Statewide – Total Crashes Decreased

In 2023, there were 287,953 total crashes, which included cars, trucks, motorcycles, buses, and other vehicles. This represented a 2% decrease from 2022 when there were 293,341 crashes. Even though there were less crashes in 2023, the number of injuries increased by about 1%, from 70,281 to 71,085.

The most populous counties naturally had the highest number of crashes and injuries. Here is the breakdown:

County	Crashes	Injuries
Wayne	51,507	16,481
Oakland	35,386	9,212
Macomb	22,405	6,838
Kent	18,767	4,953
Genesee	10,059	3,102
Washtenaw	10,037	1,376
Ingham	7,849	2,117
Ottawa	7,825	1,783
Kalamazoo	7,619	1,736
Saginaw	5,040	1,376

There Were Large Decreases in Alcohol and Drug Related Crashes – A Surprise?

A big change in 2023 was the large decrease in the number of motor vehicle crashes involving drugs and alcohol. Given how prevalent marijuana has become in Michigan, this is somewhat of a surprise. If anything, one would expect the number of drug related crashes to only increase as marijuana consumption has increased since legalization in 2018.

But the numbers tell a different story. In 2023, the number of crashes involving alcohol dropped from 9,331 to 8,817, representing a large 6% decrease compared to 2022. The number of fatalities also dropped from 322 to 297, or 8% year over year. Meanwhile, the number of drug related crashes fell a whopping 8% in 2023 compared to 2022.

However, not all the numbers were good. The amount of drug related crashes that resulted in fatalities increased by 3%, from 249 to 256.

Motorcycle Crashes Decreased in 2023

Motorcycle crashes usually involve the most catastrophic injuries for riders and passengers. Fortunately, in 2023 the total number of motorcycle crashes decreased 3% from 3,158 to 3,056. The number of fatalities dropped 5% in 2023. In fact, this represents the third straight year the number of Michigan motorcycle crashes dropped.

Crash Statistics for Specific Types of Accidents

Distracted Driving Accident Stats

Distracted driving is a common problem in the state of Michigan. Cell phone use remains a major issue along with other electronic devices while driving.

According to data from the report, the following were the most common causes of distracted driver-related accidents:

    Using a cell phone to talk, text, or dial: 1,726 crashes
    Using a hands-free device to talk: 205 crashes
    Using some other electronic device: 1,610 crashes
    Passenger distraction: 735 crashes
    Other activity inside the vehicle causing distraction: 5,696 crashes

In 2023, there were 15,136 accidents caused by distracted driving. This number is a slight decrease from 2022.

Michigan personal injury lawyer Eric Steinberg, a partner at the Lee Steinberg Law Firm believes the decrease in distracted driving, in particular cell phone use, can be attributed to better education. "There has been a considerable push to educate people of all ages about the dangers of distracted driving, in particular using your cell phone. I think this finally may be having an impact. Let's hope it continues."

Young Drivers Continue to Cause More Crashes in Michigan

The statistics for young drivers (age 16-20) have not gotten better. Young drivers continue to cause a disproportionate number of crashes and fatalities, and 2023 was not better. More than 15% of all car crashes in Michigan were caused by this small age group. And the number of fatalities increased 6% from 2022.

Work-Zone Involved Crash Stats

There was an 8% increase in work-zone accidents from 2022 to 2023. In 2022, there were 7,436 work-zone crashes, and in 2023 there were 8,017. Interestingly, Tuesdays had the highest number of work-zone crashes, and the month in which work-zone accidents were higher was October, with 1,071 crashes.

There are many reasons why a crash might occur in a work zone, but some of the most common causes include:

    Speeding and disobeying reduced work-zone speed limits
    Increased traffic congestion in work zones during rush hour
    Distracted driving in work zones
    Aggressive or reckless driving in work zones

Large Increase in Pedestrian Accident Crashes

Michigan saw a dramatic increase in the number of pedestrian involved crashes in 2023. In fact, the number of crashes increased from 1,897 to 2,114, an 11% increase. The number of pedestrian fatalities also increased 6%. The increase in pedestrian crashes in Michigan is not really a surprise, but a return to pre-Covid levels when the state consistently had more than 2,000 pedestrian crashes each year.

School Bus Accident Stats

School bus accidents have decreased in 2023 to 988 from 1,041 school bus crashes in 2022. This number is actually lower than pre-Covid levels when Michigan routinely saw more than 1,000 school bus crashes every year.

Here are a few of the most common causes of school bus accidents:

    Driver fatigue in the morning
    Speeding in school zones
    Failing to obey school bus stop signs
    Traffic congestion during rush hour when school buses are out on the roads
    Lack of training for bus drivers
    Distracted driving

Other Notable Changes in Michigan Traffic Accidents

The latest data also suggests a mixed bag regarding the type of crashes that have occurred.

    Cell phone involved crashes – decreased 5% in 2023
    Cell phone involved fatalities – decreased 8% in 2023
    Cell phone involved injuries – increased 3% in 2023

With more older drivers on the road, the number of accidents caused by individuals age 65 years-old or older increased in every category:

    Age 65-74 – 2% increase
    Age 75-84 – 7% increase
    Age 85+ - 8% increase

There were notable changes in the number of crashes based on vehicle types:

    Motor homes saw a 38% increase in the number of crashes. This can be attributed to the huge increase in motor home usage post Covid.
    Snowmobiles had a 39% decrease in crashes. This could be weather related.
    ORV (off road vehicles) witnessed a 13% drop in crashes.
    Both Golf carts and Mopeds saw a small increase in crashes.

The Lee Steinberg Law Firm, P.C. represents individuals injured due to the negligence of another person or corporation. We serve clients in a broad range of personal injury matters throughout Michigan. For more information, please contact Eric Steinberg at 1-800-533-3733.

MILWAUKEE, July 15, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Harley-Davidson, Inc. ("Harley-Davidson") (NYSE: HOG) today announced their new sponsorship of BUILD Moto ("BUILD") starting with the 2025 season.

Harley-Davidson has signed on as the new sponsor of BUILD Moto for the next three years. The sponsorship includes donated items like motorcycles, parts and accessories, as well as access to motorcycle manufacturing experts and additional support for program operations.



BUILD provides high school students an opportunity to learn technical skills including design, welding, fabrication, repair, machining, media, and more, through motorcycle construction. In addition to acquiring technical skills, teams also participate in marketing and fundraising efforts and host local events showcasing their work. BUILD program elements also emphasize the development of strong teamwork and interpersonal skills.

Teams of students from local high schools are organized to design and rebuild a motorcycle to American Motorcycle Association (AMA) flat track racing standards. Each team is matched with at least one faculty advisor from their school and up to three mentors who act as coaches and team leaders. Teams are required to document their progress with photos and videos posted to social media. Teams are judged on design, execution, and completion of milestones throughout the build timeline, culminating in a bike reveal and awards event at the end of the program.

The bike builders from the 2024 season also received a special invitation to show off their motorcycles at the Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival opening ceremony at Davidson Park in Milwaukee on July 25, 2024 at 11:00 a.m.


"Our involvement with BUILD Moto represents our commitment to STEAM learning and helping to teach the next generation of designers, engineers, and trades experts. Working with high schoolers who are empowered to create a bike that is race-ready is really rewarding. It's a thrill to see their confidence grow during the build and showcase what they've learned as the pit crew on race day," commented Shanna Beanan, STEAM Program Manager, Harley-Davidson.

BUILD is a 501(c)3 organization that operates through contributions from volunteer board members, mentors, faculty advisers, local businesses, volunteers, students, and parents. There are several ways to get involved.

    Become a mentor. By mentoring a team, you'll be working directly with the students to build a motorcycle.
    Work a booth. Supplies are provided to host a BUILD booth at any event that reaches students and motorcycle enthusiasts to promote awareness of the program.
    Lend your expertise. As a subject matter expert, provide one-time assistance to teams on a specific skill, in-person or virtually.
    Volunteer at an event. Help with parking, selling merchandise, set up, and/or tear down.


About BUILD
Founded in 2011, BUILD is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to pairing teams of high school students with bike-building mentors in a collective effort to learn valuable life and interpersonal skills while working on motorcycles. Learn more at http://buildmoto.com/.

per email from ASRA:

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This will be a race weekend in 2025 and beyond. For 2024 however this will be a Friday/ Saturday EvolveGT track day followed by Sunday August 11 race day. We think this is a good fit for a Roebling make up round.

This round we will accept any organizations race license.
to register - shoot us an email with proof of a license and status.



Come get on board the best series on the east coast. The 2024 season culminates at Daytona October 17-20

Will this round be the same date in 2025, August 9-11? Most likely not, but we will have a race weekend there in 2025 and beyond.

Schedule:  2024_Road_Atlanta_8_11.pdf

PHILADELPHIA, July 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- With summer in full swing and as holiday road travel increases, motorcyclists are hitting the open road, driving further and longer than before. But with the fun and freedom of riding, also comes an inherent risk. To help motorcyclists stay safe this summer – and beyond – Cycle Gear® and RevZilla®, the nation's leading retailers of motorcycle parts, apparel and accessories, have created the Airbags Save Campaign to educate people on wearable airbags, which offer a practical solution to ensure rider safety while also offering peace of mind to riders' loved ones.

Wearable airbag apparel is a game-changer in motorcycle safety. Leveraging advanced AI technology, airbags deploy in a fraction of a second upon detecting a crash, providing critical protection for the vital organs, including the spine, ribcage and even the neck/collarbone area, reducing up to 93% of impact force and the risk of injury.


Wearable airbag apparel is a game-changer in motorcycle safety. Leveraging advanced AI technology, airbags deploy in a fraction of a second upon detecting a crash, providing critical protection for the vital organs, including the spine, ribcage and even the neck/collarbone area, reducing up to 93% of impact force and the risk of injury.

"Motorcyclists face extensive risks when on the road, and our priority is providing them with the best possible protection," explained Stevan Popovich, President at Cycle Gear®. "These wearable airbags are a revolutionary addition to our extensive offering of motorcycle gear and have been used by professional riders for the last decade. They provide a reliable and effective solution to reducing injuries, and also offer incomparable peace of mind to motorcyclists' loved ones."

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), summer months see a significant increase in road travel, with millions of Americans hitting the highways for vacations and holiday celebrations. This uptick in travel also means more motorcyclists on the road, making safety a top priority. NHTSA reports there were 83,000 motorcycle riders injured in 2021, underscoring the need for enhanced safety measures.

In a separate Gitnux report, it was recorded that there were over 13 million registered motorcycles in the United States. Summer and nicer weather is causing more people to travel, with August being the most dangerous month for motorcycle riders (according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety).

Wearable airbag apparel is a game-changer in motorcycle safety. Leveraging advanced AI technology, airbags deploy in a fraction of a second upon detecting a crash, providing critical protection for the vital organs, including the spine, ribcage and even the neck/collarbone area, reducing up to 93% of impact force and the risk of injury. These vests are equipped to last 30 hours on full charge, and even come with Bluetooth and app integration.

Popovich continued, "Summer is a time for adventure and exploration, but it's also a time to prioritize safety. Wearable airbags offer motorcyclists an additional layer of protection, allowing them to enjoy the ride with greater confidence. We encourage all riders to gear up with the best safety technology available to fully enjoy this summer's adventures."

Visit one of over 165 Cycle Gear® store locations in 43 states and learn more about how airbags can save lives at https://www.cyclegear.com/airbags and https://www.revzilla.com/airbags.

About the Comoto Family of Brands
Comoto is America's largest and fastest growing omni-channel platform in the powersports aftermarket-products industry, dedicated to advancing the experience of moto-enthusiasts across the globe. Comoto's brands, RevZilla, Cycle Gear, J&P Cycles, and REVER deliver premium products, dedicated expertise, engaging media, and passionate customer support of the rider community through best-in-class eCommerce and retail experiences.

NEW YORK, July 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ENGWE, a leader in fat tire electric bikes industry,proudly announces the launch of the ENGWE M20 2.0. Building on the widespread popularity of its predecessor, the M20, the new model integrates a host of significant upgrades tailored to enhance performance, comfort, and safety.


Launch offer:
ENGWE M20 2.0 ebike release

Get the upgraded ENGWE M20 2.0 at an early bird price of $1249 (save $250 off the original price of $1499) from July 1 to July 21. The promotional price of $1299 will be available until August 10.

Rave Reviews for the ENGWE M20 ebikes:

The ENGWE M20 ebike, one of the hottest products of 2023, has been widely praised for its motorcycle-like design and outstanding performance. Media outlets including CNET, TechRadar, Yahoo, Electrek, and Bikeradar have recommended the ENGWE M20, highlighting its affordability and ability to compete with the best on the market, even surpassing the Super73 in battery range.

    Cnet: "My family's free time has changed forever."
    The Verge: "A budget Super73."
    TechRadar: "A beautiful e-bike with incredible range."
    Digital Trends: "Moped looks, cruiser comfort."

In response to user core feedback and the overwhelming success of the M20, ENGWE has introduced the M20 2.0 with a series of thoughtful upgrades under the concept of "Double Is Better Than Single." This includes double batteries for extended range, double suspension for enhanced comfort, and double headlights for improved safety.

Key Upgrades of the ENGWE M20 2.0 ebike:

    Enhanced Power System: Upgraded from 48V to 52V, the M20 2.0 delivers greater power and efficiency, ensuring a smoother and more powerful ride.
    Extended Battery Life: Featuring a larger 1622Wh battery (up from 1248Wh), riders can enjoy longer journeys without the worry of frequent recharging.
    Improved Safety: The transition from mechanical to hydraulic brakes offers more responsive and reliable stopping power.
    Superior Suspension Comfort: The enhanced hydraulic rear suspension is designed for longer travel distances and smoother rides, providing ultimate comfort and performance.
    Optimized Display: A new colorful display ensures better visibility and a more vibrant riding experience, keeping riders informed and in control.

The ENGWE M20 2.0 e-bikes aims to redefine the e-bike experience, blending style, power, and affordability. These new features and user-focused upgrades align with ENGWE's mission to enhance short trips. Don't miss the early bird price—experience the new ENGWE M20 2.0 today!

SOURCE ENGWE

This just in from PanAmerican Superbike:

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Barber Round Cancelled

We sincerely apologize but we are forced to cancel this round at Barber Motorsports.

With very little notice this week our insurance we used for our previous Roebling event declined to cover our event at Barber. We scrambled to get replacement coverage but time was against us. We know it is late notice but we tried to salvage this round.

Please notify any friends you know that may have been attending.

Again, our deepest apologies as we are crushed.

Jordan / Tung / Tony & The Gang
PanAmerican Superbike
4594 N Hiatus Rd Sunrise, FL 33351
info@panamsbk.com | 954-816-6321

BURNSVILLE, Minn., June 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On June 21, Minneapolis Public Schools and Lakeville North High School will reveal rat rod karts they built in class as part of a new, year-long program developed by Northern Tool + Equipment. The karts are powered by 740cc NorthStar EFI engines and will be revealed in front of thousands of car enthusiasts at Minnesota Street Rod Associations Back to the 50s event.

Check out the two-minute teaser trailer before the big reveal!


Students were assisted by mentors NASCAR legend Richard Petty, the team at Petty's Garage and founder of Choppers Inc. Billy Lane.

"It's been really cool watching the students create rat rod karts out of nothing over the last eight months," said Lane. "Watching their skills and confidence grow each month has been a fulfilling experience, and I'm excited to see the final karts and run them at the fairgrounds."

The Rat Rod Kart Build-Off is part of Northern Tool + Equipment's Tools for the Trades™ program. The program is designed to fuel a growing interest in the trades with high school students through donations of tools and equipment to career and technical education programs. The donations give instructors professional-grade tools and equipment to properly teach the trades as well as expose students to trade career-like experiences.

"Watching the kids work on these karts with their own two hands is what this build-off is all about," said Petty. "This isn't about winning or losing. It's about those students learning valuable hands-on skills that could help them get a job in the trades one day."

The rat rod karts will be revealed at 11 a.m. CT on Friday, June 21, at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds during the 50th anniversary of MSRA's Back to the 50s weekend. Petty, Lane and the Petty's Garage Team, including NASCAR Driver Thad Moffitt, will be present at the reveal to celebrate the completed karts.

"We know how valuable trade careers are to our communities, which is one reason why we started Tools for the Trades," said Suresh Krishna, CEO of Northern Tool + Equipment. "Most of the students involved with this build-off will pursue trade careers after high school. We're thrilled we could play a part in fueling that fire."

About Northern Tool + Equipment:
Northern Tool + Equipment is a family-owned company serving both DIYers and trades professionals tackling the tough projects. A leading supplier of more than 100,000 high-quality tools and equipment for over 40 years, the company's highly-trained team has an immense breadth of knowledge to help customers in-person at 140 retail stores, online and over the phone through their fully-staffed contact center. From helping customers get the right tool for the job to assisting with parts and repairs that keep tools running at peak performance, customer service is at the foundation of Northern Tool's mission. With a passion for serving their communities and helping to fill the trades labor shortage, the company's Tools for the Trades™ program donates high-quality tools directly into school classrooms, helping teachers show students the value of working in the trades. Learn more about Northern Tool + Equipment at NorthernTool.com and stay connected through social media: Facebook (@northerntool), Instagram (@northern_tool), TikTok (@northerntool), X (Twitter) (@northerntool), YouTube and Pinterest.

do you have any before / after photos ?   How badly can they be bent but you can repair completley.

GOT BENT WHEELS?
MJ  A.M.S.   760 803 9966
ESCONDIDO , CA  92025
SPORTBIKE WHEEL STRAIGHTENING AND REPAIR SPECIALIST

for info and pics please go to san diego or los angeles ca craigslist motorcycle parts
and search motorcycle wheel straightening or got bent wheels.
thanks
MJ

I have no real information.  But it looks like when whoever bought CCS/ASRA they abandoned everything CCS.

You may have to go find some old Cycle News papers.  (Do they still print?)

This is the tragedy of everything going "digital" .... it can disappear at any time.   I have boxes of old cycle news and road racing world in my garage.